Elon Musk’s Starlink project could soon offer reliable high-speed Wi-Fi on trains across the UK, providing passengers with uninterrupted connectivity even in areas where cell towers are often in short supply. Following a successful six-month trial in Scotland in partnership with Clarus Networks, rail operators in England and Wales are actively testing the satellite technology.
Starlink Integration into Trains and Its Advantages
Clarus, based near Glasgow, has won regulatory approval to install its Starlink systems, originally designed for aircraft, on certain train routes where network access is poor. More than 7.000 low-earth orbit satellites The system, built on , offers a more reliable and faster alternative to traditional pole infrastructure, especially in rural or remote areas.
Clarus Marketing Manager Jamie DuncanStarlink improves both operations and the passenger experience by enabling rapid deployment, greater reliability, and real-time GPS tracking of trains, he said. The satellite link will also support Wi-Fi phone calls on board, minimizing disruptions during long journeys, including in remote areas where there is no available mobile coverage.
Satellite internet may seem costly, but it is often competitive with the cost of direct or fibre broadband, especially in hard-to-reach areas, Duncan said.
Trials and Expansion Plans
Elon Musk’s Starlink project is currently being trialled on ScotRail routes from Inverness to Wick, Aberdeen and Kyle of Lochalsh – areas known for their remoteness from cellular infrastructure.
The Department for Transport Wales is set to launch trials on routes from Cardiff to Holyhead and Manchester later this year, after consulting with Clarus and ScotRail.
FirstGroup has also explored satellite. Despite losing two national rail contracts, it remains active in UK rail through operators such as Lumo and Hull Trains. FirstGroup’s South Western Railway unit demonstrated its commitment to next-generation on-board technology by rolling out a 5G Wi-Fi service shortly before the line was nationalised.
New Solutions for Tunnel Connection
LNER recently installed a special antenna system inside tunnels near King’s Cross, boosting Wi-Fi connectivity for O2 and Three users in one of the busiest areas of the country.
A Department for Transport spokesman confirmed it was backing the Starlink trials, saying satellite solutions were vital to improving the UK’s rail connectivity strategy. BT, meanwhile, is reportedly in talks to roll out Starlink dishes to UK consumers as part of the satellite firm’s plans to expand broadband coverage.
